What is Grassland Ecosystem?
A landscape that is dominated by grasses and non-woody plants is known as a grassland ecosystem. About 20% of the land on the earth is covered by this ecosystem which can occur in temperate and tropical regions with less rainfall. The grasslands usually contain long grasses, shrubs, small non-woody trees, and herbs.
These grasslands occupy the intermediate stage in ecological succession and cover land in all altitudes and latitudes where the climate and soil do not allow the growth of trees. The grassland ecosystem is called by different names in different regions such as Pampas in South America, Veldt in South Africa, Steppes in Europe and Asia, and Downs in Australia. In India, these types of grassland ecosystems are seen in the Himalayas.
Region |
Name of Grassland |
---|---|
North America |
Prairies |
Africa |
Savanna |
Brazil |
Campos |
South Africa |
Veldt |
India |
Grassland |
Venezuela |
Llanos |
Eurasia |
Steppes |
Understanding Grassland Ecosystem – Components, Functions, and Types
The grassland ecosystem is dominated by continuous cover of grasses and is the home of many plants, insects, birds, and animals. This type of ecosystem is widespread among various continents from the Savannahs of Africa to the Prairies of North America. Grasslands are beautiful to see and play an important role in biodiversity, climate regulation, and human livelihood. In this article, we will read about the grassland ecosystem, the importance of grasslands, the types of grasslands, the flora and fauna seen in grasslands, and the threats to the grassland ecosystem and how we can conserve it.
Table of Content
- What is Grassland Ecosystem?
- Grassland Ecosystem Diagram
- Components/ Structure of Grassland Ecosystems
- Grasslands Ecosystem Examples
- Grasslands Ecosystem Types
- Biological Diversity in Grasslands
- Functions of the Grassland Ecosystem
- Economic Importance of Grasslands
- Threats to Grassland Ecosystem and its Conservation